Free Printable: Faith Ringgold Inspired Quilt Template

Many of you are coming to this post from a Pinterest pin about my pattern handouts. If you are interested in this set, you can purchase them on TPT!

You could also use these pattern handouts with this Faith Ringgold art project.

Two handouts labeled "Pattern Examples" display various black and white pattern designs in grid format, inspired by Faith Ringgold's quilt templates, with the text "Pattern Examples Handouts" at the top. Free printable for creative projects.

Hi!  I’m here today to share with you a meaningful art project for your younger students.  This would be good as as a “getting to know you” activity.  The following examples were all made by kindergartners near the end of the year, but I would think this lesson would be suitable for kids through grades 2.

Children's colorful drawing of three people surrounded by decorative patterns and labeled "Family Portraits" with a "Quilt Template.

Many art teachers have taught about the artist Faith Ringgold and had their students create paper quilts.  I have a free printable for you that will make this lesson easier.  My daughter did something similar at her school in her classroom.  That’s where I got the idea to use a printed template to make it easier for the students.

In the past, I had the students cut construction paper scraps to make a picture of a family memory.  These kindergarten pictures from the previous year were made without the template.  I cut the square drawing paper to a slightly smaller size than the colored background paper.  I also pre-cut all of the patterned square papers from scrapbooking paper.  Lots of cutting. I like how these turned out though!

Children's drawings featured on quilts, decorated with colorful borders, displayed under the title "Family Memory Quilts," inspired by Faith Ringgold.

So this year, we used the pre-drawn templates from this download in my shop.  We read the books Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold and Cassie’s Word Quilt (Amazon Affiliate links). We talked about the design elements of Faith Ringgold’s work and how she makes stories and artwork based on things she has experienced her life and community.  This page by Scholastic gives additional background information you might find useful.  (Image below from Scholastic.)

A colorful educational poster discusses themes in a quilt, including symbols, shapes, and folk style. It also introduces Faith Ringgold's unique approach to quilts. Complete with a quilt template for hands-on learning.

Here is the template we used for the quilts.  Click on the link to receive the free high resolution download at TPT.  Included is an 8.5″x11″ version as well as an 11″x17″ version (which many standard copiers can print).  I recommend using thicker paper or cardstock on the bypass tray for this project.

A black-and-white drawing of a rectangle with ladder-like extensions on each side, ideal as a free printable quilt template.

In the large center, students can draw a self-portrait or a family portrait.

A child's drawing of a family surrounded by a colorful mosaic frame, with a hand resting at the bottom, inspired by Faith Ringgold.

On the bigger empty spaces, the students can draw pictures of things that they like or that tell about their family.

Children's artwork featuring a pink drawing of a pig, colored patches, a book sketch, and various colorful designs.
Children's drawing with family, mermaid, cotton candy, and quilt-like patterns; text reads "Love," "Roman," "DaD," "Mom," "Art." Inspired by Faith Ringgold’s style, this piece is a creative quilt template for young artists.

Pre-cut patterned paper or fabric to fit the smaller spaces.  Glue squares on with glue sticks.

Child making a collage with various paper pieces, glue, and scissors on a table with an orange container, using a quilt template for inspiration.

Children's drawings of family portraits surrounded by colorful quilt squares and a heart-patterned background. Text reads "Family Portrait Quilts.” Inspired by Faith Ringgold, this piece captures the warmth and creativity of family bonds.

You might be interested in these awesome Pattern Example Handouts!

Enjoy!  I hope you are having a great summer!

Drop me a line to say hello.

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  2. Hi Marcia,
    i am interested to research these ‘freeom quilts’ -I am in Australia so we don’t really teach about the slavery history in the USA. However, I think kiids would be interested in the info and the activity is wonderful. Definitely a keeper for next Feb. when our school year restarts. We have a growing African population in our very culturally diverse school too so it would be fitting. Thanks so much, Jenny

  3. […] Free Printable: Faith Ringgold Inspired Quilt Template from Art is Basic Many art teachers have taught about the artist Faith Ringgold and had their students create paper quilts. I have a free printable for you that will make this lesson easier. My daughter did something similar at her school in her classroom. That’s where I got the idea to use a printed template to make it easier for the students. […]